A girls’ weekend of watersport lessons was held to prove that women too can take the helm of a sail or powerboat.

More than 30 women of all ages took part in the ’This Girl Can’ event hosted by Port Erin-based training centre 7th Wave. The course included race training, boat-handling exercises, capsizing games and a race regatta.

Instructors included a former Manx Youth Sailing Squad member who placed second girl at the RS Tera World Championship in 2010, Izzy Sharpe, and 7th Wave founder Jen Kneale, who recently achieved a Yachtmaster Ocean qualification.

Travelling from England for the event, Izzy said: ’Jen was a fantastic female role model for me growing up, so I love coming back to do #ThisGirlCan with 7th Wave now.’

Jen said: ’Powerboat and sailing taster sessions continue all through the summer and it’s not just for the girls. #Everyonecan!’